About the Book:

Title: Once Upon a Murder 

Author: Samantha Larsen

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Pages: 304

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery 

Synopsis:

Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.

As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.

With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

 

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Lady Librarian Mystery Series! I liked how Samantha Larsen interwove fairytales, like Little Red Riding Hood, into this Victorian Era story.  I recommend reading the first book in the series before diving into this one, as you really get to know the characters and this book jumps into where book one left off.

Tiffany Woodall is such a fun, witty and strong female character! I loved seeing how she, with the help of some friends and allies, attempts to clear her name and that of Samir’s. There were some interesting twists and turns along the way, and I love how everything came together in the end.

Highly recommend! 

About the Author:

Samantha writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen and historical romances under Samantha Hastings. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She’s the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. Learn more at: http://www.SamanthaHastings.com